HOW TO ASSESS CONDITION

CONFORMATION IS FIXED – CONDITION IS VARIABLE

SCORE 1 – POOR

Croup and hip bones prominent and very sharp, especially over points. A marked hollow in front of withers . A very deep hollow above eye which is possibly sunken. Spinous processes (backbone and bony protrusions above) well defined. Rib cage prominent with all ribs showing from behind foreleg muscles. Skin tight

SCORE 2 LIGHT

Withers, croup, backbone and points all clearly defined. A little more muscle definition but still hollow in front of wither. A slight cavity under tail. Backbone and bony protrusions above still easily felt

SCORE3 – AVERAGE

Front half of ribcage covered, back half still visible. Neck beginning to fill up in front of wither. Spinous processes (backbone and bony protrusions above) still able to be felt.

SCORE 4 – GOOD

Firm muscled neck, Ribs just covered but able to be felt. Haunch, croup and buttocks well rounded. Muscles well defined

SCORE 5 – FAT

Beginning to carry too much weight. Definition of bones lost. A hollow gutter from croup to tail. Neck becoming hard and cresty.

SCORE 6 – OBESE
Marked crest. Neck very wide and firm. Back broad and flat. Huge pads of fat on shoulders and hindquarters.